Emmaus man, Jason Wieder, who kept dozens of birds, dogs, dead snakes in home admits to animal cruelty

PENNSYLVANIA -- The Emmaus man who neglected more than 50 birds, snakes and dogs that lived with him pleaded guilty last month to a dozen animal cruelty charges.

District Judge Donna Butler on Jan. 26 sentenced Jason Wieder to pay $9,157 in restitution to the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, court officials said Wednesday. The organization cared for birds and dogs seized in September 2014 from the defendant's home in the first block of South Cherry Street. All of the snakes authorities found were dead.

The judge also ordered Wieder to pay $600 in fines -- $50 for each animal cruelty charge -- and $153 in court costs, officials said. He has until the end of February to pay the restitution, fines and fees, officials said.

Wieder, 35, kept three huskies, a mix of six boa constrictors and pythons and approximately 40 birds, including cockatiels, cockatoos and parrots, authorities say. He failed to provide clean living conditions, access to clean water and veterinary care for the animals.

The Pennsylvania SPCA searched Wieder's home and found the animals Sept. 16 after receiving a tip from Emmaus code enforcement officials, authorities say. Wieder faced 67 counts of animal cruelty, but most of the charges were withdrawn in exchange for his guilty plea.

"The PSPCA is pleased that Mr. ­­­­Weider has accepted responsibility for his actions and that these animals have found justice," Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Jerry Buckley said in a statement. "The PSPCA is the only animal welfare agency in the state capable of performing this life-saving work.  While we mainly deal with dogs and cats in cruelty cases, it's not unusual for us to be involved with investigating and prosecuting birds and other animals.

The majority of birds taken from Wieder's home have recovered after receiving medical treatment and are being adopted through a Pennsylvania SPCA partnership with Pets Plus Natural, a regional chain of pet supply stores, organization spokeswoman Elizabeth Romaine said Wednesday.

The huskies, now neutered and spayed, have been returned to Wieder, but the Pennsylvania SPCA has inspection rights to ensure the dogs' health and well being for the next three years, she said. Also, the defendant is prohibited from owning additional animals for three years.
(LeHigh Valley Live - Feb 18, 2015)

Earlier:

• Emmaus man, Jason Wieder, admits animal cruelty, hit with $10K in fines